Microsoft's CEO Receives 1 Millionth Ford with SYNC

Steve Ballmer and his very own way to celebrate the moment

Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer should consider himself lucky as Ford has just handed him the 1 millionth vehicle equipped with SYNC, the company's in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players. The 1 millionth SYNC-equipped car is a 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid, often referred to as the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the United States.

“We have made a commitment to deliver the vehicles that people really want and value,” Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally said. “The success of SYNC is another proof point that we are doing just that. We will continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers’ lifestyles.”

SYNC is developed with the help of Microsoft and provides numerous features, such as 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Reports, allowing the driver to permanently stay up to date with the status of the car. Thanks to a new upgrade, SYNC is now even capable of displaying Traffic, Directions and Information, a new feature that expands the already impressive array of data provided by the system, including traffic reports, precise driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports scores and weather.

SYNC was first launched in 2007 on the Ford Focus and the American manufacturer says that more than 80 percent of the Ford cars sold in North America are equipped with the system.

“Working with Microsoft and other key technology partners, we’ve made Ford the connectivity leader in the auto industry,” said Jim Buczkowski, director of electrical and electronic systems. “We do not plan to stand still; we have several additional developments in the pipeline, including launching SYNC in Europe and around the world.”